This blog is about our adventures, whether day-to-day adventures around town, trips to farther lands or our journeys through books. As an avid reader I wanted a blog title to give credit to my literary roots. In the 9th grade I read Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie." While I'm actually not much of a Steinbeck fan, or that book in particular, the title I used in homage to it just seems to fit my lifestyle.

The Family

Friday, August 24, 2012

Not Part of the Plan

It’s a real charge being with like-minded individuals and
talking about things you have in common. That’s true for almost anything: a
good book or movie, delicious food, shopping, sports. It's also true for homeschooling.We spent the morning at a local park playing with and getting to
know other homeschooling families in our area.

The beginnings of homeschooling can be overwhelming. There's so much to think about. Luckily, I've come across some great blogs, websites and books this past year. Those things helped get my mind moving in the right direction, yet something was missing. Finding the local support group and getting linked up with families in our area that also homeschool was that missing piece. It helps to be with others that have been in your shoes at the beginnings of homeschooling and those moms that know what a typical day is like for a homeschooling parent (meaning there is no typical day).

If you would have asked
me about homeschooling before I had kids I would have rolled my eyes and made some snide
remark about hovering, over-protective parents and anti-social kids. I had my children’s entire
lives planned out and homeschooling was not part of the plan. That was until I
actually had children.A lot of things,
including me and my false perceptions about homeschooling, changed.

We live in a small university community that is actually packed full with
homeschoolers. I realize homeschooling in a university town probably sounds
like an oxymoron.At first glance it might
appear the two educational concepts are polar opposites. However, I think it’s
because education is so important to so many people in this town that a number
of us affiliated with the university have chosen to homeschool.

My decision is in no way a negative reflection of the local
public and private schools in our area. Both are great, and I have good friends
that send their kids to school in both systems as well as friends that teach in the public school system here in town and throughout the state.

It’s just I've always kinda liked the idea of social movements and marching to the
beat of a different drum, which in many ways define homeschooling .

Ultimately, I’ve decided to homeschool because it feels
right to me. I know many people won’t agree or will be concerned that I’m
depriving my children, but I’ve learned to listen to and obey the call of God
more in the past five years than ever before, and this was a definite calling.

I’m looking forward to getting to know the other families
and having those that have gone down this road ahead of me steer us in the
right direction.

I’m also excited to share some of the things we’ll be doing throughout the fall as homeschoolers and with
folks from the support group.

1 comment:

It's amazing how we eat our words some times. I've learned to never say "never" when it comes to my family and home. I know you'll enjoy educating your children. While it can be challenging (as any parenting can be), it's totally worth it. In the long run, it's pretty fun too!

About Me

I'm a Christian, wife, mother, professor, avid reader and travel lover just trying to walk the path God has set before me.

The Hubby

This man is one kind-hearted, patient soul. I couldn't ask for a better person to travel through this life with.He's a great daddy and wonderful husband.

The Boy

Here's my handsome first born. He's taught me so much about life, myself and motherhood. He's wide open at home, but is introverted and quiet around others. He loves anything to do with sharks, dinosaurs, presidents, art and right now, Egypt.

The Little Girl

This little girl, or Boopsie as she is known around here, is a bundle of joy. She has the cutest personality and is a chatter box. She is dearly loved by her brother, who I think is her favorite, and has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.